As a disabled veteran business owner in California, why should I consider registering as a state-certified DVBE?
Published on 11/30/-0001
In California, many state-funded projects carry a DVBE participation requirement of 3% or more of the project contract amount. There were over $5 billion in California state contracts from 2001 to 2002. Once a veteran-owned business becomes certified they are eligible to be considered for these state contracts. DVBE firms received 2.8% of those contracts, or nearly $138 million.
This year, California is expanding the program by offering financial incentives for bidding contractors to hire certified DVBE firms. Currently, more qualified DVBE firms are needed in California. Demand for qualified DVBE firms is beginning to outstrip the supply. There are currently fewer than 500 registered DVBEs in the State of California.
DBE Goodfaith works with prime contractors to solicit and recruit DVBE firms for projects that are bidding. A common complaint that we hear is that there are simply not enough DVBE firms performing the types of construction work that most projects require in the geographic areas where the project work is to be performed. The Federal Government is also providing increased opportunities for disabled veterans with the Executive Order signed by President Bush in October 2004. With the program expanding in California and nationwide, the demand for DVBE firms will be higher than ever before. These developments are likely to benefit disabled veteran-owned businesses for many years to come.
